Thousands of sports enthusiasts gathered at Jack London Square in Oakland for the annual Fans' Fest block party, organized by the fans themselves, showcasing their dedication and passion for Oakland sports.
Fans' Fest Block Party: Celebrating the Love for Oakland Sports
( Credit to: Abc7news )
Thousands of sports enthusiasts gathered at Jack London Square in Oakland for the annual Fans' Fest block party, showcasing their dedication and passion for Oakland sports. Despite the uncertain future of the Oakland A's, fans came together to celebrate their love for the team and the city.
( Credit to: Abc7news )
This year, the event was organized by the fans themselves, demonstrating their unwavering support and enthusiasm. The Oakland 68's and Last Dive Bar took charge of hosting the festivities, which lasted for five hours, filling the atmosphere with Oakland pride.
Attendees enjoyed live music, delicious food, and various activities while connecting with former players. Grant Balfour, a former Oakland A's player, expressed his gratitude for the support he received from the fans, saying, "It's great to come out here, be a part of it, be around the fans who supported me so much."
A Celebration of Oakland Sports and Community
Fans' Fest was not just about the Oakland A's; it was a celebration of Oakland sports as a whole. Organizers emphasized that the event was a tribute to local businesses and the community. Jorge Leong, president of the Oakland 68s, expressed his excitement, stating, "It's incredible to get everyone together with Last Dive Bar, '68, Oakland Roots."
Former Oakland A's player Coco Crisp acknowledged the deserving fan base and rich sports history of the city, saying, "I think the city deserves major sports teams, minor sports teams, however you want to put it. There's a lot of history as well."
While the uncertain future of the A's weighed on the minds of many fans, Fans' Fest provided a much-needed opportunity for them to come together in a positive and joyous environment. Michael Neill Henry, a lifelong A's fan, shared his sentiments, saying, "I thought this might be my last opportunity to be with A's fans in a happy environment."
Fans' Fest: A Nostalgic Celebration of Oakland Sports
Dana Morgan, a devoted season ticket holder for 30 years, expressed her excitement for the event, comparing it to the nostalgic "old days" of Oakland sports. She exclaimed, "This is like the old days. Everybody lining up too. It's great. I'm so excited."
For Morgan and countless others, Fans' Fest was not just about the A's but a celebration of the strong bond between the fans and their beloved teams. It served as a reminder of the rich sports history and the enduring spirit of Oakland sports.
The block party provided a platform for fans to come together, have fun, and show their unwavering support for Oakland sports. Regardless of the outcome for the A's, the love for the team and the city will continue to thrive among the passionate fans of Oakland.